Obituary for Thomas W. Tobin

Thomas Wilfred Tobin, 93, of La Crosse, passed away peacefully at the Mayo Clinic in the early morning hours of December 28, 2022 with family members by his side. Tom was born November 27, 1929 to Ernest and Rose (Lombardy) Tobin in Duluth, MN and raised by his Grandparents Peter and Louise Lombardy. Tom attended Duluth Central High school but joined the Marines early in 1946 where he served in China. After serving 2 years with the Marine Corp Tom returned to Duluth and attended Salter school receiving a degree in drafting. During this period Tom met and married the love of his life, Margaret O’donnell, and remained married for over 50 years until her death in January of 2003. In 1953 Tom accepted a job with Trane Company and moved his family to La Crosse where he maintained employment for over 35 years as a draftsman, retiring in 1989. Together Tom and Peg raised six children. Thomas jr, Vincent, Robert, Michael, Julie, and Lisa.

Tom loved the Mississippi River and spent his downtime either fishing with his many buddies or boating with the family. The Tobin family were a main stay of the community that beached at Coney Island spending week nights and weekends during the summer skiing, swimming, picnicking, and just hanging out.

Tom is survived by sons Vincent(Margaret)Tobin, Robert (Terilyn)Tobin, Michael (Donna) Tobin, and daughter Julie (Dan) Gerke as well as 6 grandchildren and soon to be 7 great grandchildren. Tom was preceded in death by his wife Margaret, son Thomas Jr., Daughter Lisa., and Granddaughter Lindsey.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, July 7, 2023, at Fredrickson Funeral Home, Woodruff Chapel, 4239 Mormon Coulee Rd., La Crosse, WI. Burial with military honors will follow at Mormon Coulee Memorial Park Cemetery, La Crosse. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service. Following the cemetery, a Celebration of Life will continue at the Pettibone Boat Club in La Crosse.

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